Overview & Reviews

For more than 100 years now, Ford Motor Company has been selling mass-produced automobiles in the United States and around the globe. Known as one of the Big Three American manufacturers, Ford has attracted millions of loyal customers with a wide range of vehicles that offer considerable value. The automaker's trucks and SUVs have been especially popular. For decades, Ford's F-Series truck has been the best-selling vehicle in America.

The company was founded by Henry Ford in 1903. Ford dreamed of building a car for the masses, and that's precisely what he did, most notably with the immortal Model T of 1908-'27. The latter was bought by 16.5 million Americans during its 20-year lifespan and was affordable enough for Ford's own factory workers to purchase. Ford's early years were also distinguished by its introduction of the moving assembly line. It was the first to utilize this more cost-effective method of production, and its innovation became a mainstay of the manufacturing process.

Ford expanded into the luxury-car market with its purchase of Lincoln Motor Company in 1925. Over the next few years, the company broadened its focus even further by creating the Mercury division to produce mid-priced cars. By the late '30s, Ford had unveiled the stylish Lincoln Zephyr, introduced a low-priced V8 engine and built more than 25 million vehicles.

The 1950s saw the introduction of the legendary Thunderbird. Offering sleek styling and spirited performance wedded to available luxury features like power windows and a signal-seeking radio, the car was a huge hit. Another model of that decade, the Edsel, met with a somewhat less enthusiastic reception. In the wake of abysmal sales, the Edsel was discontinued just a few months into its third model year.

Ford regained its footing in the early 1960s with the introduction of the compact Falcon, a model that was warmly received by the public. By the middle of the decade the automaker had given enthusiasts something to cheer about with the launch of the sporty Mustang, a car that went on to become one of the biggest sellers of its day. Buyers adored the Mustang's low price, available powerful V8 engines and sporty styling. The Mustang even created a brand-new vehicle category: the pony car.

By the 1970s, Ford, like other domestic automakers, was starting to suffer the effects of changing consumer tastes and new government regulations. Many of its cars became shadows of their former selves. But the seeds of rebirth were planted in this decade. In 1979, the company acquired a stake in Mazda; this move would later aid Ford significantly in co-development projects. The company also emerged with a new mindset of global competitiveness.

By the mid-to-late '80s, Ford was showing new strength with its popular Escort and Taurus models while further expanding its empire with the purchase of the Aston Martin and Jaguar brands. Meanwhile, its full-size LTD sedan (later renamed the Crown Victoria) remained a staple of taxi companies and police forces throughout America.

Ford rode a wave of popularity in the 1990s, thanks in part to the huge success of its Explorer midsize SUV. The truck played a huge role in ushering in the era of the SUV. In 1999, Ford expanded its family yet again with the purchase of Volvo's car division, and, in 2000, it acquired Land Rover. For awhile, there was talk of Ford even taking General Motors' spot as the No. 1 automaker in the world.

But the new millennium initially saw a downturn for Ford. Increased competition, a continuing operating loss for Jaguar, legacy costs and a reliance on SUVs for profit took their toll. To compensate, the company sold Aston Martin, Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo and introduced a wave of successful new products. Models like the F-150, Fusion, Fiesta, Focus, Flex and Mustang have allowed Ford to regain its health and standing as a very competitive manufacturer.

User Reviews:

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  Could be Better!!! - 2000 Ford Focus
  By DennisHuther - August 26 - 10:00 am

  I have had nothing but problems with this vehicle and i am in the process of trying to get Ford to buy it back from me. Too many Problems to list in even 700 words or less. I will never buy another Ford again..... I own 6 of them but i will never purchase another....

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  Focus On This! - 2001 Ford Focus
  By I-Man - August 26 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 2001 Ford Focus on or around the 5th of August (2002) at around 30,000 miles. Later that week, I drove it up to Vermont for a vacation, and the car had problems accelerating. This happened on the way back too. The car also started slowing down for no reason, until it was going about 10 mph. We let it sit for a while, then drove it home with no problems.

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  Fun Wagon - 2001 Ford Focus
  By reizul - August 26 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Focus. My first was a lemon (dealer caused the problem)that Ford bought back. I like it so much that I thought Id give it another try. Im not disappointed. Good interior room and lots of space to haul things. Having a kid and a 85 lbs dog forced me to get a wagon and the only thing I dont like is driving an automatic. Will I buy another??Well see in 4 more years when it is paid off. Right now Ill say YES!

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  Ford F-150 SB Stepside - 1997 Ford F-150
  By Reggie Tommie - August 26 - 10:00 am

  Overall, Ive been pleased with my truck. Its been reliable.

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  ford quality????? - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By daniel lipps - August 26 - 10:00 am

  I purchases my 2002 windstar this year and found what i thought was a simple defect. I soon discovered that Ford takes responibility for its mistakes! If one looks at the 2002 windstars back right wheelwell there is no covering or protection to the elements. the other three are covered with a plastic sheld and rust preventive. i found that ford will make no effort to fix the factory defect and will insted let my $30,000 van rust!!!! I find Ford utterly noncompliant with my service needs and dismissed my concerns as understated.

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  Regrets - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By paola - August 26 - 10:00 am

  Nice looking car and fun to drive however extremely unreliable. My car broke down 4 times (fuel line) and wouldnt start. I had it towed a total of 4 time before it hit 15000 miles. The first time it broke down was at 5000 mile. It didnt qualify as a lemon. This car is junk. The base stereo system is poorer than my old cavalier

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  Very Impressed! Really like it! - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Grant - August 26 - 2:17 am

  I have had this car two days, and Im so impressed. It has solid power through all gears, good exhaust tone, and has a great overall feel. Filled up after burning a 1/4 tank just to see what my mpg was, and was impressed with 26 mpg for city driving. Seats have good side bolster, trunk is quite big for car. Wish the cup holders were arranged differently, but dont let that discourage you from buying. You can get a fully loaded Focus ST, way cheaper than a loaded Civic. I have caught a lot of heck for getting a Focus, but after most people see the car they are quite impressed, and say "not bad"

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  Good car - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Mike T - August 26 - 1:10 am

  No real problems so far. Generally good performance & economy. At 73000 km both are starting to slip a bit but its due for a tune up & sits a lot, so ethanol in fuel could be playing havoc with injectors. In warmer seasons,gets about 20 mpg city cdn & 30-33 on hwy. Wife has severe back problems & finds car very comfortable. But ride could be smoother. As someone else said, trunk lid holds water & soaks you when you open it. Pins & bushings in front door hinges worn out. Car is very well maintained - go figure? For 1/2-1/3 price of high end used import, take the Vic! Read consumer info! Fuel consumption in line with larger imports. With proper maintenance, I expect to have it a long time.

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  Im now a Ford man! - 1993 Ford Escort
  By Bradley - August 25 - 6:29 pm

  I bought my 93 sedan with 65k on the clock and now have 76k+. I get 40 mpg around town and 48 on the hwy. It is a manual! Im 61" and find the car adequately comfortable for 500+ mile trips to VA from NY state. Plan a trip to see friends in San Antonio TX this winter. The car feels brand new, smells new and the body is sharp. That is great considering all the salt on NY state roads in winter. It handles great in snow with care. Cold or hot weather no problem. Never owned a ford but love this car. My 70 year old mother loves it too. The fold down seats are handy. The insurance rates are great on it. Not flashy but I dont need to prove anything to anyone. I just need to think of a name for her. RUBY?

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  2005 Freestar - 2005 Ford Freestar
  By kevin walsh - August 25 - 4:29 pm

  Excellent vehicle, purchased from dealer certified with 12K miles & 1 retail owner. $15,600, cant beat that. We like the 2nd row captains seats. Drives as minivan should, solid & rattle free. Completely satisfied.